Fall From Grace: Dart's Pain

Chapter 6: Plans In Motion

Fall From Grace: Dart's Pain
Chapter Six: Plans In Motion

Its was the middle of the night and Dart was ready to leave. Once he was sure everyone was asleep, he got up and made his way out of the den. Unbeknownst to him however, Pouncer was still very much awake, and just acting asleep, and once she saw him leave she knew something was off and began to follow him.

The night was cloaked in darkness as Dart soared through the starlit skies, completely unaware that Pouncer was quietly tailing him. Her eyes never wavered from his form, filled with both determination and concern. She had sensed something was wrong with her brother, and now, witnessing his departure and the intensity in his eyes, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and curiosity.

Dart's flight took him beyond the boundaries of the Hidden World, into unfamiliar territory. He ventured deeper into the night, guided by the flickering lights of distant villages. His mind buzzed with anticipation, fueled by the conviction that he was destined for greatness as a warlord.

As Pouncer followed, her heart pounded in her chest. The wind whipped through her scales, amplifying the unease within her. The path ahead was treacherous, but her love for Dart compelled her to continue, to understand what had led him to this point.

Finally, Dart's flight came to a halt at the edge of a dense forest. He landed gracefully on the forest floor, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and a hunger for power. Pouncer concealed herself behind a cluster of trees, observing her brother from a distance.

Dart surveyed his surroundings, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty etched across his features. The moon's soft glow illuminated the clearing where he stood, casting shadows that danced around him. He inhaled deeply, relishing the scent of the wilderness, as if drawing strength from the very earth beneath his talons.

"This is it," Dart whispered to himself, his voice carrying an air of both exhilaration and trepidation. "From this point on, I forge my own path, a path that leads to the respect I deserve. I will become the most feared warlord the Hidden World has ever seen. They will bow before me, and I will not be mistreated ever again!"

Pouncer, her heart heavy with a mix of disbelief and sadness, couldn't bear to remain hidden any longer. Stepping out from the shadows, she revealed herself to Dart, her eyes filled with a blend of fear and determination.

"Dart!" Pouncer called out, her voice quivering. "What are you doing? Why are you leaving, and why... why would you want to become a warlord?"

Dart's gaze locked with Pouncer's, his expression hardening. "Pouncer," he said, his voice tinged with a newfound coldness. "Don't act all clueless, you know exactly why I'm leaving." He spat coldly before continuing "And as for becoming a warlord, it's the only way to gain the power and respect I deserve. I won't be invisible anymore, cast aside and ignored. You will all pay for the way you treated me, you never once cared!" He shouted.

Pouncer took a step forward, her voice filled with desperation. "Dart, you're my brother! We're family. We've always been there for each other! I'm sorry if you haven't seen it that way, but we only want whats best for you. I know you and Ruffrunner don't have the greatest of relationships, but this path you're choosing... it's not the answer. Don't do this, please, there's still time to turn back."

Dart's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing his face. "You just don't understand, Pouncer. You've never understood what it feels like to be overshadowed, to be pushed aside while others shine. You and Ruffrunner have always been special and treated as such! And I have never been anything but be in the way of that! Do you know what its like to know your nothing but a burden to your family?! Because I do, and I refuse to live in the shadows any longer!"